This is the first book in a new series for boys 7+ who not
only love footy but who play any team sport. At the core of each book is the
guidance of legendary Billy Slater, fullback for the Melbourne Storm,
Queensland Maroons and Australian Kangaroos.

Each short-chapter book tells the story of one of the
players of the Under 11s team, the Ravens. This time it’s Josh’s story. His
dad’s away, his mum is busy with the new baby and his greatest supporter, his
grandad, is embarrassingly over-the-top when it comes to cheering from the
sideline.

Josh is so nervous about his first footy game that he dreams
he’s forgotten to wear his uniform. He’s running for the line with the ball in
his Superman undies.

Every boy who has ever had to get ready for footy will be
excited by the descriptions of the pre-game preparations: footy boots, shoulder
pads, mouthguard – check! And they will recognise the ‘herd of elephant-sized
butterflies’ stampeding in their stomachs.

Josh is on the small side and he’s constantly worried that
he will let the team down. In the first game of the season he ‘felt the hard
yellow hide slide into his grasp as he dived for the line.’ He lost the ball.
‘Then came the sound that would haunt him for days: a single loud, long
BOOOOOOO!’

Enter Billy Slater, friend of Coach Steve and footy hero to the
boys. At their footy practices Billy homes in on what each boy needs. He takes
Josh aside and says, ‘the yips are when you worry so much about not being able
to do something that your body forgets how to do it.’ This is not a didactic
series but blends the reality of playing football with the wisdom of those who
have done it all before.

With its plethora of footy action, quick pace and
short-burst sentences, the climax is exciting indeed. The black and white drawings
create a visual connection for the reader. There is added value in the players’
profiles at the back of the book as well as handy footy tips on tackling and
catching a pass.

Try
Time is about having fun, working as a team and self-belief regardless
of ability or background. It’s the whole footy package.